NCERT Notes: Grade 8 Social Science - Geography - Chapter 2: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation, and Wildlife Resources
Introduction
Our environment is teeming with resources, each vital for sustaining life and ensuring growth. Chapter 2 of the NCERT Grade 8 Social Science textbook delves into some of the most foundational resources: land, soil, water, natural vegetation, and wildlife.
Land
Land is one of the vital natural resources that provides habitat to numerous plants and animals and supports human activities like agriculture, housing, and industries.
Land Use:
- Forests
- Land not available for cultivation: Deserts, mountains, marshy lands.
- Other uncultivated land: Barren land, grazing lands.
- Fallow land: Land not cultivated for one or more crop seasons.
- Net sown area: Total area sown in a country.
Land resources need to be used judiciously because they are finite.
Soil
Soil forms the uppermost layer of the earth’s crust and serves as a medium for plant growth.
Formation:
Formed through the breaking down of rocks by the actions of wind, water, and climate. It’s a result of years of physical and chemical activities.
Types of Soil:
- Alluvial Soil: Found in river basins and coastal plains. Fertile and good for crops like rice, wheat, and sugarcane.
- Black Soil: Good for cotton crops. Found in Deccan lava region.
- Red and Yellow Soil: Found in parts of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and southern regions. Suitable for crops like millet and oilseeds.
- Laterite Soil: Found in areas with high temperature and heavy rainfall. Suitable for crops like tea and coffee.
- Arid Soil: Found in desert regions. Can be fertile when irrigated.
- Forest and Mountain Soil: Found in mountainous and forest regions.
Conservation:
- Preventing Deforestation
- Practicing Terrace Farming
- Afforestation
- Crop Rotation
Water
Water is indispensable for all forms of life. It’s used for various purposes including drinking, cooking, cleaning, and industrial activities.
Sources:
- Surface Water: Rivers, lakes, ponds.
- Ground Water: Under the earth’s surface, tapped as wells and tube-wells.
Water conservation is crucial due to the increasing demand and decreasing supply. Rainwater harvesting and judicious use of water can help in conservation.
Natural Vegetation
Natural vegetation comprises the plant life that grows naturally in a region. It’s categorized based on climatic conditions and topography.
Types:
- Forests: Dense growth of trees.
- Grasslands: Dominated by grasses.
- Deserts: Sparse vegetation.
- Tundra: Cold regions with short shrubs and grasses.
Conservation:
Forests are essential for maintaining the ecological balance. Deforestation can lead to soil erosion, reduced rainfall, and increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Reforestation and afforestation are practices to conserve forest resources.
Wildlife
Wildlife includes all non-domesticated plants, animals, and microorganisms.
Importance:
- Ecological: Maintains balance in the ecosystem.
- Economic: Provides hides, honey, ivory, silk, etc.
- Scientific: Offers insights into species evolution and behavior.
- Aesthetic: Enhances natural beauty, attracts tourism.
Conservation:
- Setting up national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves.
- Banning hunting and poaching.
- Promoting wildlife tourism.
Conclusion
The earth is endowed with a myriad of resources, each playing its unique role in sustaining life. It’s imperative to understand the significance of land, soil, water, vegetation, and wildlife, as highlighted in NCERT’s Grade 8 Social Science textbook. As custodians of the planet, it’s our responsibility to conserve and judiciously use these resources to ensure they are available for future generations.
Reference: NCERT Grade 8 Social Science - Geography - Chapter 2: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation, and Wildlife Resources
